African grey parrots are medium-sized birds that weigh about .90 pounds and grow up to 13 inches tall with a wingspan of 18-20 inches.

The common markings of these birds are grey all over with darker shades on its head and wings, white around their eyes and nostrils, and red tail feathers; however, some breeders have made African grey parrots that are completely red.

Adult African grey parrots have yellow irises while juveniles have the same plumage as adults but have dark irises.

African grey parrots are extremely intelligent and are said to have the same abilities as a 3-6 year-old child.

As their name suggests, African grey parrots are native to the dense forests of Africa in places like Gabon, the Ivory Coast, Kenya, Angola, and more; however, they have also been seen at forest edges or in open vegetation.  

African grey parrots are known as frugivores where most of their diet consists of different fruits, nuts, and seeds. Besides their favorite oil palm fruit and flowers, African grey parrots also eat snails and insects. While they forage for food on the ground, they are at risk to several predators: pythons, foxes, cats, and jackals. Besides flying, African grey parrots will puff up to look larger and start snapping and biting if threatened.

Mating season for African grey parrots differs by region but seems to correspond with the dry season. These birds are monogamous and will build nests together in unoccupied tree cavities or the nests of small birds. The female will lay 3-5 eggs and incubate them for 30 days while the male brings her food. The chicks weigh only 0.42-0.49 oz. after hatching and require feeding and care from both parents for their first month of life. The African grey fledglings will be able to go out on their own after about 3 months.

These birds are declared one of the most popular avian pets and are valued for their ability to imitate human speech.

African grey parrots are most well-known for their mimicking abilities. Out of the 350 or so identified parrot species, they are dubbed the best imitator of sounds and vocals. Scientists believe birds like these parrots mimic in order to fit in with the flock and stay alive in the wild; when these birds are introduced into new territories they’ll pick up the local sounds so their call doesn’t draw attention.

Two African grey parrots were studied in Zaire making 200 different bird songs and one bat!

These birds often outlive their owners as they can live 40-60 years in captivity!